Dissonance Dance Theatre

Last week while I was watching “So You Think You Can Dance,” the news of Michael Jackson’s death came across the screen.

We all have taken his death to heart in many different ways.  For me, I cho0se to  reflect on the great things he accomplished in his 50 years on earth.  But one thing that comes to mind  is the stronger “call to arms” his death gave me as an artist.  I say, again, it is time for the younger generations to get serious about our craft as artists before all our mentors and inspirations are gone.

I’ve noticed that most of our idols and icons in entertainment are getting up in age.  However, most of us freak out at the mear thought of being responsible for leading the way in the entertainment field.  It’s time for us, as artists, to take the torch and lead ourselves as so many of our inspirations and icons have been doing.

If we don’t do something soon there will be no “legends”  for generations to come. Who’s with me?

Many Dancers and Artistic Directors are suffering from no grant funding , low audience attendance and redundant dance works that just need to be laid to rest in my opinion. But I digress…

The working model has to change in order for the Arts, especially dance, to survive.

I can’t speak for other dance communities in the US or abroad, but my welcome into the DC dance community as an artistic director was not well received.  But before I go on an angst moment, I have to thank Artists’ Bloc, Miya Hisaka , Sergey Apasov, James Bennett, Peter Dimuro, Flashpoint and other countless supporters for their faith in me as an artist when most at the forefront of the Washington DC dance scene seem reluctant to pass down knowledge,  history or moral support to the next generation of DC dance artists.

People say there are a large number of young artists trying to push DC into the same accomplished status as Philly, Chicago or NYC. But where are they? Many that I have encountered lack sufficient skill sets that would advance their creative companies. Yet, the established and “Socially Accepted” artists stay with the Political DC way and say, ” I got mine you get yours”.

I started a dance company with nothing but a 750 credit score, a group of talented friends and a vision of change for progressive contemporary dance artists who are “storytellers”.  Now, Dissonance Dance Theatre is in its 3rd year and has made many strides through its bumpy start.  Through business workshops, legal guidance, a lot of creativity, a humble heart, prayer and good business ethics Dissonance Dance Theatre has been blessed with great emerging artists and a repertoire of over 20 dances works…so far lol

Many supporters of the company and its services  tell me, ” Thank you for making classes personal,” and ” Now I understand why my teacher used to say that to me..thanks for clarity in your teachings,” and ” I’ve danced in other ensembles and I really enjoy your creative and rehearsal process”. But why do they say thi, you ask?

If you ask anyone that knows me,  I focus completely on the vision I wish to create for me and my dance community.  I’m always raising the barre and obtaining professional development to become more aware of current innovations in business and the arts. This practice is not new to anyone who is in the work force and it is this for-profit way of thinking that has kept my creative endeavors afloat.

Every student and dance artist makes your business. Like they say in retail, ” Every customer is a great customer!” and that means listen to them and give them what they need to support and grow with you. That translates to the dance community as quality, professional Artists, CERTIFIED instructors and a thoroughly thought out dance season that makes live theatre worth going to see.

I have to commend Dana Tai Soon Burgess who is one of the leaders in the area for producing world class art and being a local artist that has been on the Kennedy Center season subscpription.  But what about the rest of the DC artists waiting in the wings? There has to be more than the Danas, Helanius, Lucys and Lermans in Washington, DC.

DC artists probably feel stagnant or defeated from lack of a community,  and progressive and driven talent…that’s understood.

But if the dance world, especially in Washington, DC, would pull its resources to create a true community, collaborations with fellow artists, and patronize each others shows and schedule their seasons while being mindful of  each others productions,  a surge in revenue and resources would emerge. Hence, a golden age, for lack of a better term.

As it stands, DC dance will always be inferior to Philly, Chicago, NYC with a few artists thriving while the majority continue to create recreation dance.

If we as DC artists do not push for better training, quality dancers and better performing institutions as a whole, what is the point of high art?  Even though DDT is still relatively new,  I have faith that it will continue to grow and flourish.   I just hope that dance in Washington, DC will get better to make my choice of creating dance here worthwhile.

Auditions for DDT will be held in late August. Stay tuned for updates.

DDT is looking for 2 apprentices for the Apprenticeship Program. Potential candidates should send a resume and headshot to Artistic Director Shawn Short at Sshort@ddtdc.com.

Check out the new Dissonance Dance Theatre trailer posted on our Youtube channel, ddtmedia. More videos to come soon!